Wear Blue: National Men’s Health Month

The hairdressing profession is overwhelming female, so we tend to think of hairdressers’ health in terms of female health. But June is National Men’s Health Month—and, specifically, June 9-15 is National Men’s Health Week—so let’s take one-twelfth of our year to address bro wellness for the male stylists out there! Along the way, maybe we can enlighten clients and male family members as well.

In identifying health crises in America, some observers would include men’s health. In 1920, men’s lives were just one year shorter than women’s; today women live nearly five years longer than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Encouragingly, this gap is narrower than during the 1970s, possibly because a significant drop in smoking among both sexes has created a more level playing field.

Right from the start, men are at a disadvantage: infant mortality rates are higher for males. In the years that follow, American males die in greater numbers than females from:*Heart Disease*Cancer*Accidents/injuries*Homicide and suicide*HIV/AIDS

Women are more likely to see their doctors, so perhaps part of the awareness is just getting men to have check-ups, take advantage of preventive measures like colonoscopies and seek medical treatment when their bodies are telling them that something’s not right. Five top risks for men’s health are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high PSA levels, high blood sugar and low testosterone, according to the men’s health site Drive For Five.

What can you do? The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is holding a Twitter chat today (June 10, 2014) from 2pm-3pm EST about depression in men. Join in by using the hashtag #NIMHchats or, without a Twitter account, you can just observe by entering #NIMHchats at twubs.com. An archive of the chat will be posted on the NIMH website following the event.

Some of our Healthy Hairdresser Advisory Council members offer their thoughts on this month’s question: December brings our attention to the spiritual aspect of our lives. However you define that—faith, peace of mind, balance, harmony—how do you personally achieve it?